Abbot seeks extra inquiry into council reform process

The Noosa Mayor has called for a broader inquiry into the Queensland Government's forced council amalgamations.

A Senate inquiry into proposed Commonwealth legislation to allow councils to conduct plebiscites on the reforms heard evidence in Noosaville, in south-eastern Queensland, yesterday.

It will sit in Emerald, in central Queensland, today before moving to Cairns, in the state's far north, next week.

Bob Abbot told yesterday's hearing that an additional inquiry into the reform process is needed.

"I think there is the possibility out of this organisation, the script that's recorded here today the opportunity for another inquiry into the process," he said.

"My dream is that the information that we provide, that this community provides, causes some consternation in those people in Government at the federal level and causes some opportunity to have a look at the process of this thing, even if it means another inquiry."

Meanwhile, Queensland Nationals' Senator Barnaby Joyce has joined calls for local government to be recognised in the Australian constitution.

The Federal Opposition's local government spokeswoman Kate Lundy says Labor is committed to holding another referendum on the issue if it is elected.

A lack of support from the Coalition has seen previous referenda fail.

Senator Joyce says he supports the constitutional recognition of councils.

"The plebiscite is a clear indication of the will of the people and democracy should reflect the will of the people," he said.

"You can't get a stronger reflection of the will of the people than when you have the vast numbers that will vote to stop this amalgamation process going through or do not agree with it.

"I will happily support moving local government into the federal constitution, but let's do it now, let's get on with it, let's not wait."